The other day someone emailed me to basically explain the Catch 22 of the games industry (or any industry for that matter): to get a job you need experience, but to gain that experience, you first need to get a job.
There are some games companies that will still hire people with no games industry experience. But the industry has matured to the point that you can now actually get some sort of diploma or degree in games development. So to stand apart from the crowd of potential hires, here are a few tips that may help you land that first big break:
1. Attend industry events
Depending on where you live, you may have local IGDA meetings or other industry related events. Networking and meeting face to face is the key. Talk to people and make yourself known, get your name out there. Have a business card or resume handy just in case. If an employer gets to know you, and they like your personality, they may consider giving you a junior position even though you don’t have the ideal requirements.
2. Have a good portfolio and do side projects
Everyone should have an online portfolio for an employer to have easy access to a resume and sample of work. The sample works can include school projects but should also include side projects. Consider how to best showcase your skills and use that to show employers that you are keen to get into the industry.
3. Volunteer
Through networking or through contacting game companies directly, offer to help them out for free. Let them know what your skills are and tell them you are willing to work for them as a volunteer. This will benefit them in that they will not need to pay you to get work done, but most beneficially it will help you gain valuable industry experience.
To apply these tip takes time and effort. They not easy to accomplish specially if one already has another job or is a full time student. However, through dedication can come great rewards, and can possibly give you that first big break.
